A fresh wave of layoffs across the American technology sector is pushing thousands of Indian professionals into uncertainty, as strict US immigration rules give many just 60 days to secure another job or leave the country. Major companies including Meta, Amazon, and LinkedIn have announced job cuts in recent months as the industry shifts focus toward artificial intelligence and cost restructuring.

For Indian tech workers on H-1B visas, the consequences of losing a job go far beyond unemployment. Under US immigration rules, their visa status is directly linked to their employer. Once employment ends, a 60-day grace period begins. During that time, workers must find a new company willing to sponsor their visa, switch to another immigration category, or prepare to leave the United States.

The pressure has intensified because Indians form the largest group of H-1B visa holders in the US tech industry. Many have spent years building careers, buying homes, and waiting in lengthy green card queues. A sudden layoff can disrupt not just professional plans, but entire family lives. According to industry reports, the latest layoffs are tied to aggressive restructuring around AI and automation. Meta alone has reportedly cut thousands of roles while increasing investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Amazon and several other tech giants have also continued workforce reductions this year.

Immigration experts say many laid-off workers are now exploring temporary alternatives to remain in the US legally. One common option is applying for a B-2 visitor visa, which may provide additional time to search for employment. However, attorneys report that approvals are becoming more difficult, with authorities requesting extra documentation and issuing more denials than before.

The uncertainty is also creating emotional and financial stress within the Indian tech community. Professionals who had already started green card applications are worried about losing years of immigration progress. Others are rushing to sell homes, relocate families, or reconsider long-term plans in America altogether.

Some Indian workers are now evaluating opportunities outside the US, particularly in Canada and parts of Europe, where immigration pathways are seen as more stable. Immigration consultants say conversations about returning to India have also increased significantly over the past year. The broader concern is that America’s dependence on skilled foreign talent is beginning to clash with tightening immigration rules and a volatile hiring market. While Indian engineers and developers continue to play a major role in the US technology ecosystem, the current environment has exposed how vulnerable visa-dependent workers can become during economic slowdowns.

With layoffs expected to continue across parts of the tech industry in 2026, immigration attorneys and industry groups are once again calling for reforms to the H-1B system, including extending the 60-day grace period and simplifying visa transfer processes. Until then, many Indian professionals remain caught in a difficult situation where losing a job could also mean losing the right to stay in the country they have called home for years.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.